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Ibas presents ₦1.48trn budget to rebuild Rivers under emergency
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Budget targets infrastructure, education, health, and economic empowerment
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Lawmakers promise scrutiny, support for peace and development
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibokette Ibas, on Tuesday presented a bold ₦1.48 trillion 2025 budget proposal to the House of Representatives, aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure, enhancing social services, and driving inclusive growth in the oil-rich state currently under emergency governance.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that during the presentation at the National Assembly in Abuja, Ibas expressed concern over the non-cooperation of suspended state officials, which he said hampered the completeness of fiscal planning and expenditure documentation.
“The Rivers people are grateful for your support,” Ibas told lawmakers, “but some officials withheld vital data needed to accurately account for spending already undertaken in Q1 by the suspended administration.”
The proposed budget, which received presidential approval and is pending legal validation by the Supreme Court, outlines a projected revenue of ₦1.4 trillion. It aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan 2017–2027 and seeks to reinforce transparency and fiscal responsibility amid ongoing political instability.
Key sectoral allocations in the 2025 budget include:
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₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transportation
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₦55 billion to relocate and expand the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
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₦50 billion for upgrading zonal hospitals
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₦38.85 billion for shoreline protection and erosion control
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₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation
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₦2.5 billion for women’s economic empowerment programmes
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₦3 billion to establish youth resource centres
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₦20 billion to recapitalise the Rivers State Microfinance Bank for MSME support
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₦117 billion for pensions, gratuities, and employee benefits
Ibas stressed the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance: “God willing, every Rivers citizen with a well-planned idea—regardless of ethnicity or politics—will access the funding needed to build a successful venture.”
Responding, Chairman of the House Committee on Rivers State Oversight, Hon. Julius Ihonvbere, praised the administrator for presenting a people-centred and forward-looking budget. He pledged the committee’s support in ensuring peace and sustainable development across the state.
“This committee is committed to working with you to restore peace, stability, and progress in Rivers. The allocations for women, youth, and pensioners are particularly commendable,” Ihonvbere stated.
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